Sounders FC Academy alum Paul Rothrock has been called up to the United States U-18 Men’s National Team for an international camp in Marbella, Spain, that runs from October 1-8. Rothrock, now a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, was invited by Head Coach Omar Namazi as part of a 20-player roster for the fourth and final camp of the calendar year for the U-18 age group.
The camp includes two friendlies, one against Belgium on October 5 and the other with Russia on October 8.
”Paul thoroughly deserves his call-up,” said Academy Technical Director Marc Nicholls. “He’s an infectious character, works very hard and tends to perform at his best in big moments.”
Born and raised in Seattle, Rothrock spent most of his youth career playing for a Sounders Academy youth club partner, Seattle United, leading his team to two Washington State Cup titles, two Far West Regional titles, and two appearances in the U.S. Youth Soccer national finals. He joined Sounders Academy for his U-18 season, and played a pivotal role in helping the squad achieve a third-place finish in the USSDA National Playoffs.
In addition to leading the team in goals during the regular season with 10, Rothrock came alive in the playoffs, scoring several crucial goals in the group stage and helping the young Sounders finish top of a group that featured FC Dallas, New York Red Bulls and Beachside SC.
The Lakeside High School alum put in a man-of-the-match performance in the U-18s’ win in the National Quarterfinal over in-state rival, Crossfire Premier, tallying a goal and an assist. A few days later, he managed a goal in his professional debut with Sounders FC 2, scoring shortly after entering the match as a substitute in a 4-1 loss to Real Monarchs SLC on July 8.
Rothrock, who recorded an astounding 33 goals and 44 assists in three seasons for Lakeside High School, spent the vast majority of his youth career with Seattle United. This call-up, as well as his fantastic U-18 season in Rave Green, is symbolic of just how valuable youth-club partnerships are to Sounders Academy.
”Seattle United deserve a lot of the credit for his development,” said Nicholls. “We are very pleased that he spent his final year of play with our Academy.”
The full roster can be found here.
